Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder and club legend, Xabi Alonso, as their new head coach.
The 43-year-old Spaniard will officially assume duties from June 1, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who has departed to take charge of the Brazilian national team.
Alonso’s appointment marks a highly anticipated return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where he spent five trophy-laden seasons as a player.
In an official statement on Sunday, the Spanish giants announced a three-year contract for Alonso, running until June 30, 2028.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons,” the club said, noting that the former midfielder will lead the team at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June.
Alonso leaves Bayer Leverkusen after an impressive stint in the Bundesliga, where he guided the German side to a historic double in the 2023-24 season, remaining unbeaten in the league and winning the German Cup.
“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” the statement continued.
“He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014, winning six trophies.”
He will be officially presented to the media on Monday morning.
Alonso steps into the shoes of Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most decorated coaches in Real Madrid’s history.
The Italian tactician, 65, led the club to 15 trophies over two spells, including the famous La Decima — Madrid’s 10th UEFA Champions League title — in 2014, a campaign in which Alonso was a key player, although he missed the final through suspension.
Despite that illustrious past, Ancelotti’s final season was underwhelming. Madrid lost out on major domestic titles to arch-rivals Barcelona and exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals to Arsenal, prompting a shift in leadership.